Gardener’s Corner

While insects are oftentimes considered pests, there are copious species of insects without which life on earth might not continue. Beneficial insects provide valuable services such as pollinating crops and eating insects that prey upon people and our property. While beneficial insects continue in nature, humans have introduced them into particular areas as biological pest control for more than a century. With environmental issues becoming more prominent and organic gardening growing in popularity, many gardeners are turning to beneficial insects as pest control.

There are ways to encourage beneficial insects to call your garden home. Don’t use pesticides. In addition to killing pests, you’ll also kill beneficial insects. Plant nectar-producing flowers and control ants, which will prevent beneficial insects from eating aphids. It’s important to ensure the insects have food, water and shelter available in the environment.

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